KUCHING (Dec 6): Sarawak proudly hosted the first temporary exhibition of ‘Helios: The Sun’ in the Asian region, with the official launch held today.

Taking place at the Borneo Cultures Museum, the monumental artwork by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram will be on display for eight months, from Nov 17 this year until July 17, 2026.

“Today’s launch of Helios marks not just the arrival of a world-class artwork, but also another milestone for the Sarawak Museum Department (SMD),” said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during his speech at the ceremony.

Over the past three years, SMD has successfully brought three major celestial installations to Sarawak, including Museum of the Moon in 2023 and Gaia: The Earth in 2024 — both also created by Jerram.

“Now, in 2025, we proudly welcome Helios: The Sun; thus completing a remarkable trilogy of celestial art installations: the Moon, the Earth, and now the Sun,” he said.

In line with the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035, the exhibition reflects the state’s commitment to advancing its tourism industry.

“By hosting world-class international exhibitions such as this, we continue to elevate Sarawak as a destination for business events and encourage tourism through meaningful experiences,” he added.

(From left) Ahmad, Snowdan and Abdul Karim, with Nancy, Sherrina and Azizul
seen behind him, posing in front of the artwork, Helios: The Sun. – Photo by Chimon Upon

As one of Sarawak’s top attractions, the Borneo Cultures Museum continues to draw strong public interest.

Up until November this year, the museum has welcomed 265,803 visitors, contributing to a remarkable total of 1.5 million visitors since its opening in March 2022.

Abdul Karim, who also serves as the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, expressed his appreciation to SMD for its dedication professionalism, and tireless effort in making this exhibition a reality.

“Their work continues to uplift the museum sector and bring pride to Sarawak,” he noted.
 

He also hopes that SMD will continue to bring in more international, impactful, and blockbuster
artworks and exhibitions in the years ahead.

“In doing so, we can further promote and educate the public not only about art, history, and culture, but also about science and technology — addressing the evolving needs and interests of our times,” he said.

Helios: The Sun features a giant spherical sculpture illuminated from within and wrapped in high-resolution solar imagery, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of the sun in a realistic and deeply immersive way.

During the launching ceremony, a total of 198 invitees — including students and representatives from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Teknologi MARA Samarahan Campus (UiTM), SMK Green Road, SMK Petra Jaya, SMK Asajaya, and SMK Kuching High — were present to witness the magnificent artwork.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Permanent Secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Museum Department director Nancy Jolhi, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch director Dr Azizul Ismail, Amanah Khairat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak (AKYBMS) general manager Datu Dr Sanib Said, and Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim.